Suffolk slides past Men's Basketball in overtime

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier Men's Basketball team fell to the Suffolk University Rams in a GNAC contest by the score 79-70 in overtime this evening at the Muldoon Gymnasium. With the loss, the Raiders drop to 2-9 on the season (1-3 GNAC). As for the Rams of Suffolk University, the win improves their record to 6-6 (3-2 GNAC)

The first half was filled with fast-paced, exciting play from both sides. Freshman Andre Ruff, (Lowell, Mass.) had a strong first half leading the Raiders with 10 points. Ruff, with his aggressive attack, put the Rams in foul trouble early. As a result of his efforts, Ruff was able to pick up 6 of his 10 points from the charity strike. Freshman David Lorden, (Pepperell, Mass.) and junior Cullen Donovan, (Wethersfield, Conn.) played solid for the Raiders adding 5 points each.

For the Rams, junior guard Caleb Unni, (Winchester, Mass.) played well, knocking down two key 3-point shots to shift momentum. Unni finished the first half with 8 points and 6 rebounds. Junior guard Curtis Casella, (Saugas, Mass.) also converted on two crucial 3-point shots to help the Rams to a 12-0 run late in the first half. Rivier was outscored by the Rams 35-26 in the first, and found themselves down heading into the second half.

The Raiders came out ready to play in the second half. Using a run of 6-0, the Rams were forced to call a timeout. Up 48-42, with seemingly all of the momentum, Rivier looked like it was going to run away with this one. The Suffolk University Rams however, would not go away so easily. With quick passing, and accurate shooting, the Rams were able to bounce back from the deficit and tie the game up at 56. This game would end up going down to the final buzzer.

Down 63-61, with 24.4 seconds left to play, freshman forward Quinn McCartney, (LaCrosse, Wis.) was called for a crucial offensive foul, turning possession over to the Raiders. Down two with 6.1 seconds left, Freshman David Lorden, (Pepperell, Mass.) was able to pull in an offensive rebound and score, sending the game into overtime. Unfortunately for the Raiders, they were outscored 19-7 winning the game 79-70.

Despite the loss, Rivier had solid performances turned in from senior guard Jake Nelson, (Nashua, N.H.) who finished the game with 14 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, and sophomore Matthew Manning, (Peabody, Mass.) who scored 6 points off the bench and secured 6 rebounds as well.

In their next contest, the Rivier Men's Basketball team will travel to Lasell College to take on the Lasers in a GNAC showdown. The game will take place Saturday, January 10th at 3:00 pm. The Suffolk University Rams will travel to Johnson & Wales University Saturday, January 10th to do battle with the Wildcats in a GNAC conference matchup. The game is slated to begin at 1:00 pm in the Wildcat Center.